Champions League postponed

CL chairman Lalit Modi condemned the "dastardly and heinous criminal act"

Buy this photo

The inaugural Champions League Twenty20, involving Middlesex Crusaders, has been postponed following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

The decision was taken today by the tournament’s Governing Council after they held discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa.

The competition was due to start on December 3 with the Crusaders taking on Victoria Bushrangers in Mumbai.

Lalit Modi, the chairman of the Champions League Twenty20, said: "We held consultations among all the stakeholders including the founding members, the participating teams and members of the Governing Council after the unfortunate terrorist attacks in Mumbai last night.

“It was agreed that in the best interests of all concerned, the inaugural edition of the Champions League 2020 should be postponed.

“We very strongly condemn this dastardly and heinous criminal act of a few which has resulted in the loss of precious lives and injury to hundreds.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and we are with them in their hour of grief.”

Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington said in a statement: "Clearly the players' safety is our top priority."

Meanwhile, Crusaders captain Shaun Udal believes the correct decision has been made.

Udal told Sky Sports News: “It’s probably a sensible decision to postpone it for now. I don’t see any point carrying on with the tournament in such circumstances.”

Middlesex, the English Twenty20 champions, were due to fly to India this morning but announced last night they would not travel and await developments.

Udal added: “The atrocities are terrible and you feel for everyone involved. It was surreal watching the pictures last night.

“I know the hotel well, England were based there. It could have been us if we had gone 24 hours earlier. We would have been right in the thick of it. Awful, awful stuff that has been going on.

“There was talk of switching venues but I think the correct decision has been made.”

CA head of public affairs Peter Young had said the Australian teams would not travel to India

Buy this photo

Udal now hopes the event can be rearranged at a future date.

He said: “It was only a week’s worth of cricket. I would hope very much that we can squeeze it in because the cricket would have been fantastic.”

Teams from five countries - England, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and India - were due to take place in the week-long tournament from December 3-10.

Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa had earlier indicated they were waiting on security reports before deciding on whether to send their teams.

Victoria and Western Australia Warriors were due to represent Australia.

“The sense in Australia is that we have put everything on hold,” CA head of public affairs Peter Young told Sky Sports News.

“We are pausing everything while we take stock of what has happened. We are seeking independent advice from security advisors and government officials. Safety first is the fundamental principal of Cricket Australia.

“We have one of our officials at BCCI premises. We have been talking to our staff and to the state teams that are due to travel.

“What we have to remember is that there has been a significant human tragedy.”

CSA chief executive Gerald Majola also voiced his concerns with the Nashua Titans and the Nashua Dolphins involved.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith, and paceman Makhaya Ntini, were also due to play in the competition with Indian Premier League sides Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings respectively.

“The safety of our players is of paramount concern to us at all times,” Majola said.

“I would like to express sympathy to those who have been injured or lost loved ones in this tragic incident.”

The Champions League was originally scheduled to take place from September 29-October 8 but moved to December due to its close proximity to the ICC Champions Trophy, an event which was also later postponed.